Computational processing of optical measurements of neuronal and synaptic activity in networks

摘要: Imaging of optical reporters neural activity across large populations neurones is a widely used approach for investigating the function circuits in slices and vivo. Major challenges analysing such experiments include automatic identification synapses, extraction dynamic signals, assessing temporal spatial relationships between active units relation to gross structure circuit. We have developed an integrated set software tools, named SARFIA, by which these aspects imaging can be analysed semi-automatically. Key features are image-based detection structures interest using Laplace operator, determining positions layered network, clustering algorithms classify with similar functional responses, database store, exchange analyse results experiments. demonstrate use tools synaptic retina live zebrafish multi-photon SyGCaMP2, genetically encoded synaptically localised calcium reporter. By simultaneously recording tens bipolar cell terminals distributed throughout IPL we made map ON OFF signalling channels found that were only partially separated. The automated signals many allowed reliable small generating "ectopic" "ON" "OFF" sublaminae. This should generally applicable analysis hundreds responding units.